[For Seniors] Fun and Informative! Trivia and Quizzes Introduced

What will the weather be like when contrails linger for a long time?

Why contrails form: How can contrails tell us the weather!? #WeatherNews Weather Picture Book #Clouds

When you look up at the sky, you sometimes see thin white streaks lingering behind airplanes.

These are called contrails—long, narrow white clouds that form after an airplane passes.

Sometimes contrails remain in the upper sky for a long time, and when they do, it’s said that rain may be on the way.

The reason is that when a low-pressure system is approaching from the west, the upper air is moist, making contrails slower to evaporate.

As a low-pressure system approaches, the weather tends to deteriorate.

Conversely, if contrails disappear quickly, it likely means the weather won’t worsen anytime soon.

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Nakajima Junko

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It’s said that you can tell the weather by the height at which a certain bird flies. Which bird is it?

Is it true that when swallows fly low, it means rain? [Seasonal Weather Notes]

There’s a weather saying that goes, “When swallows fly low, it will rain.” Swallows catch and eat their food while flying, but when a low-pressure system approaches and humidity rises, the wings of the insects they feed on become heavier, so the insects can’t fly high.

As a result, swallows tend to fly lower rather than higher to catch their prey.

Many people may not have known that the reason swallows fly low isn’t about the swallows themselves, but about the insects they hunt.

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moko

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Which has more ribs, a Japanese umbrella (wagasa) or a Western-style umbrella?

Stylish Nakatsu locals living through the tradition and culture of the 'wagasa' (Japanese umbrella)

The answer is a wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrella).

The ribs that spread out radially when you open an umbrella are called “oya-bone” (main ribs).

While a typical Western umbrella has eight main ribs, a wagasa has at least sixteen and can have around fifty.

The number of main ribs in a wagasa varies with the umbrella’s size, but many are used to firmly support the washi paper.

By the way, Western umbrellas are generally made from synthetic materials like vinyl or polyester; although they have only eight main ribs, the fabric is kept taut by the strength of the wire frame.

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moko

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The “Sahara” in the Sahara Desert means “desert” in Arabic.

In a certain desert in the northern part of the African continent lies one of the world’s largest, the Sahara.

Many of you have probably heard the name.

In fact, “Sahara” means desert or wilderness in Arabic, so when we say “the Sahara Desert,” it effectively means “desert desert.” Because the name itself already contains the meaning of desert, the formal usage in English and French is to refer to it without adding a word that means desert.

Led by the African Union, measures are being taken to prevent the desert from expanding, but it is said that the desert’s area is still increasing at a rate of about 60,000 square kilometers per year.

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kojifumi

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In Germany, you need a national license to go fishing.

Many people enjoy fishing as a hobby, and it’s said that catching seasonal fish brings an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

As popular as fishing is, did you know that in Germany, you need a national license to fish? Germany, alongside the Nordic countries, is a leader in environmental protection and pursues conservation with a high level of commitment.

As a result, you must pass a national qualification to fish, clearing both a written and a practical exam, and the license reportedly needs to be renewed every few years.

We should also value and protect the environment in Japan that allows us to enjoy fishing freely.

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kojifumi

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The number of ridges on a bottle beer crown cap is 21.

Beer—often called the water of life for adults—is beloved by many.

While everyone has their favorite brewery, label, and style, we can all agree on that irresistible refreshing sensation.

Here’s a bit of trivia about beer: the crimped edge on a bottle cap.

Do you know how many ridges it has? The answer is 21.

The reason is that when the cap is crimped onto the bottle, securing it at three points provides the most stable support, and using 21 points—a multiple of three—proved to be the most effective.

Next time, before you have a drink, why not take a moment to check the ridges on the cap?

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kojifumi

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When eating an Ehomaki on Setsubun, what you must not do is talk.

When it comes to must-eat foods for Setsubun, ehomaki definitely tops the list.

It originally started as a culinary custom in the Kansai region, but is said to have spread nationwide after convenience store chains and supermarkets began selling it.

In fact, there’s something you shouldn’t do when eating ehomaki: talk.

Proper etiquette is to eat it silently while facing the year’s lucky direction for Setsubun.

On Setsubun, keep this custom in mind as you eat to invite good fortune.

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kojifumi

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